Many people want to be healthier. That’s why over 85% of New Year’s resolutions are in part, to be healthier and lose weight. This provides dog owners a big advantage in getting healthy. They have all the personal training tools they need right in their home: a leash, collar and their dog!

Studies have shown that dog owners that regularly walk their dog:

1. Lose on average of 14 pounds per year

2. Dog owners get twice the amount of exercise that those without dogs

3. Understanding that their dogs need a walk was more motivation that any gym membership or personal training packages

The problem many owners suggest is that they do not get out enough with their dogs because they cannot control their dog on a leash. Owners are frustrated as their dogs pull them around the neighborhood, chase birds and small animals or bark at other dogs. For some owners, getting their dog to walk calmly next to them is a pipe dream. They need proper dog walking information. With that information, their dogs in tow, they can expect to lower their blood pressure and lose up to 14 pounds per year.

What they need to know:

1. Dogs must be calm and in the sit position before walking through the doorway and outside.

2. The collar should be high on the neck for maximum control of the dog.

3. Dogs should not be allowed to walk where they want and sniff every blade of grass. The pace should be quick.

4. The dog should never be allowed to walk ahead of the owner.

5. Add a dog back pack and fill it with water bottles. This is give the dog a job and slow him down. Dogs cannot do two things at once so if they are carrying the pack, they will not be distracted by animals and other dogs.